pforpeanutshttps://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com
a purma family blogWed, 13 Dec 2017 22:44:49 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/https://secure.gravatar.com/blavatar/02429099be39840a8073d1af2ebd762c?s=96&d=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.wp.com%2Fi%2Fbuttonw-com.pngpforpeanutshttps://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com
Colorado Camping: The beginning of an adventurehttps://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2016/06/05/colorado-camping-the-beginning-of-an-adventure/
https://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2016/06/05/colorado-camping-the-beginning-of-an-adventure/#respondSun, 05 Jun 2016 05:04:22 +0000http://pforpeanuts.com/2016/06/05/colorado-camping-the-beginning-of-an-adventure/Continue reading →]]>I’m back folks! After almost a year of being stagnent, I’ve finally been inspired to blog again. And this is why: I’m going tent camping for five weeks with my kids! What?! I know what you’re thinking. I’ve never done anything quite like this before. But did you read the title? It’s an adventure. And it can’t be an adventure without some excitement AND fear of the unknown.

So here’s the quickie. We’ll be tent camping in Durango for two weeks with another amazing family. Then, the husbands have to drive back to Austin to work. Poor guys. But me and two moms-yes, another friend is joining us-will then be primitive camping in Rifle Falls for four days, then Estes Park for two weeks, and then lastly Rocky Mountain National Park for the last final days.

I am so excited to see how I do, how my kids do, how my friendships develop, how my outlook on life changes, and quite frankly, if we all make it home in one piece. (I’m pretty nervous about Ellisa and her epilepsy, but I”m taking her doctor’s advice and proving her with a typical childhood!)

We started off the adventure today with over 13 hours of driving minus our car babysitter, DVD players. But somehow, the kids didn’t even seem to care! They were fine. They slept close to 3 hours, ate close to 2 hours, listened to music probably 2 hours, and then the rest was just entertaining themselves with their own thoughts, drawing, beading, puzzle books, and simply watching the changing landscape.

Charles knocked out the drive as always, so we had some extra time to explore. We took a detour close to our final destination at Bisti Wilderness Preserve. Unfortunately, the hike into the mushroom-like formations was too far for our kids in the heat and sun, we just weren’t prepared, so we turned around and continuted on. But…

These types of last minute excursions always seem to bring surprises, the unexpected, and joy. We had a blast as a family just getting out. Hudson commented on how much he loved the sand and how beautiful it was. And while out we saw three or more huge hares with large ears and long legs hopping all around, along with majestic wild horses. If we wouldn’t have ventured out, we most likely wouldn’t have seen these magical creatures.

After reaching our final destination, we checked in to our hotel and quickly left again for dinner out at a local brewery. Yum!

Tomorrow we will be setting up camp and who knows what else we will encounter or see.

The adventure has begun…

Filed under: Camping, Family, Uncategorized, Vacations]]>https://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2016/06/05/colorado-camping-the-beginning-of-an-adventure/feed/036.728796 -108.19050336.728796-108.190503img_1200pforpeanutsFriday Fun Spot: Our First Vacationhttps://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/08/03/friday-fun-spot-our-first-vacation/
https://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/08/03/friday-fun-spot-our-first-vacation/#commentsFri, 03 Aug 2012 16:09:48 +0000http://pforpeanuts.com/?p=3564Continue reading →]]>It’s been a heck of a week. I’m going on three weeks this Saturday of struggling with what I believe is mold allergies. I have a horrible cough that is keeping me up all night long. I’ve been exhausted yet can’t sleep, and that only leads to no energy during the day with the kids. On top of that, Ellisa got sick yesterday–I’m praying it’s gone by Saturday morning– the cats have done unmentionables, I’m still trying to put back our living room from the weekend after Charles gratefully treated our 1981 Pergo floor, all the while, preparing and packing for a week in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

The silver lining: Our first family vacation! Whoo hoo!!!

As part of my preparation for our trip, I’ve tried to teach the kids where we are going. I explain we’ll see mountains and we’ll be spending a week with Papa and Mary Ann in Ruidoso. It’s funny. When I asked them where we are going on vacation they said, “Iggy Pop” and “Elvis.” I wonder where they got that?

Notice how Hudson is listening to my every word and answering me. I wonder if Ellisa hears him and just repeats it or if she remembered herself. It’s so hard with twins to know!

I think I’m actually saying “Ruidoso” wrong. Ellisa says it better than I do and with much more enthusiasm.

Before July is over with, I should post this. Yeah, I should have posted it before the 4th but I didn’t even do this until the morning of and I’m just now getting to the post.

To be fair, this craft isn’t totally free if you don’t already have the supplies. If you keep anything crafty like me, I’m sure you can come up with something similar with what you’ve got at your house. We whipped these out 4th of July morning by going through my craft cabinet and reusing our IKEA frames (which I LOVE and use for tons of things). You can do something similar with any holiday or special occasion!

– – – – – – – – – – – –
Craft Tip:
These IKEAs frames are cheap and versatile. Use them for party menus, theme of the week, word of the day, center table graphics, notes on your desk, holiday decorations, or simply to hold photos when not being used for something special. And that’s what I came up with in 30 seconds. What do you use yours for?– – – – – – – – – – – –

Directions: Cut your colored paper to size. I made four sheets–2 sheets back to back–for two frames. This gives the kids more area to scribble on. I wrote with a black sharpie “Happy 4th of July” in the middle of the paper ( I used a pencil and eraser first) and stamped two stars–one silver and one red in opposite corners. Depending on the age of your kids, they might be able to do the entire project. I did this with 21 month olds so I had to do most of the craft myself.

From there I came armed with colored pencils and stickers. Keep in mind to limit younger children with options otherwise, they will want to use every color and mark on everything. The only rule was they could only draw on paper. They scribbled on both sides of the paper and the stickers ended up on more body parts than on our decorations. But we sure had fun!

Once done–this only entertained them for about 20 minutes–I grabbed the sheets of paper and put them in their frames. These frames come with plastic sheets so they protect whatever you create. Another reason I love them. They stood proudly on our kitchen counter top for the 4th! I think my kids will enjoy seeing them when they’re older.

https://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/07/24/free-fun-4th-of-july-decorations/feed/0Free Fun: 4th of July DecorationspforpeanutsOur Final 4th of July DecorationsFriday Fun Spot: Ho-Ho-Hohttps://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/friday-fun-spot-ho-ho-ho/
https://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/friday-fun-spot-ho-ho-ho/#commentsFri, 20 Jul 2012 19:28:50 +0000http://pforpeanuts.com/?p=3500Continue reading →]]>This is the first song I got both Hudson and Ellisa to help sing. Grandma GJ started singing it during her weekly visits and it suddenly stuck one day. We’ve all been singing it ever since. I especially like how they associate it with Grandma. If I ever start singing it, they say questionably, “Grandma?” I say, “Yes, Grandma sings that song but she’s not here right now.” Then they join in. This may be a family favorite for a long time.

Here’s some footage of one of the first times Hudson started singing it with me about a month ago. It’s sort of long so feel free to skip to 1:15 for the best singing and the end bump.

Filed under: 1-2 years, Hudson, Videos]]>https://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/friday-fun-spot-ho-ho-ho/feed/1Singing Ho-Ho-HopforpeanutsGrandma GJ and Gran-T: G’s We’re Thankful Forhttps://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/grandma-gj-and-gran-t-gs-were-thankful-for/
https://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/grandma-gj-and-gran-t-gs-were-thankful-for/#respondTue, 17 Jul 2012 02:48:08 +0000http://pforpeanuts.com/?p=3464Continue reading →]]>Around 18 months I succumbed to the reality that I–a mom of twins–needed some alone time. I asked my mom and Grant if they would be willing to come every other Monday to watch the kids all morning (the alternate weeks my dad and Mary Ann come) so I could have some time to get my nails done. By get my nails done I mean wash dishes, do laundry, clean the house, freelance, blog, errands, etc…I’m not sure if I’ve ever had my nails done. They agreed. And sometimes they come on their Monday’s off too. Bonus!

It’s been working out great! They usually get to our house around 9 and take the kids out from 10-1ish. That’s when I get the most done. Plus, they put the kids down for their naps and I usually have at least another hour on top of that. I wish they were sleeping 2-3 hours like most kids their age but that’s another story. 4+ straight hours for me is heaven! Something I look forward to every week they are here.

For example, today I did 4 loads of laundry, dishes, cleaned one bathroom, had a client meeting, blogged for about 30 minutes, ordered some items on Amazon and iPhoto, called the bank, called one of Ellisa’s therapists, and organized my week and to-do list. I probably left some other small stuff out but that’s 3X the amount of things I get done when I’m by myself. It’s amazing how much you can do in a few hours without kids hanging on your legs saying “hold-choo.”

I feel bad that I don’t get to spend more time with them and the kids together, but it’s all about the twins. Grandma Walsh (GJ) and Gran-T LOVE these babies and I know they both look forward to their visit on Mondays with them. I’m thankful to have them in my life and I’m glad my children enjoy them as much as they do. It’s important they have good relationships with their grandparents and a weekly visit seems to do the trick. Everyone seems to benefit from our new routine. Yeah!

On weekends when we go to Sun City, I leave the kids with Grandma and Gran-T on Sunday night and they bring them back Monday morning before their naps. This is ideal and highly recommended to anyone with twins and close grandparents. Charles and I have only done it twice but it’s worked great both times and something we hope to continue to do on a semi-regular basis pending their toddler behavior. We leave around their nap time. That gives us the entire afternoon and evening to ourselves. Most importantly we get a good night sleep and I can sleep in and wake in silence–not the usual alarm chime of Hudson screaming bloody murder. Can you imagine waking up like that every day? If they bring the kids back after lunch and ready for their naps, I am a happy momma. That means I’ve had a house to myself for the whole morning and almost a 24 hour break!

I hope my mom and Grant understand how much I appreciate their help. The kids absolutely adore them and ask about them daily. It’s obvious their time together is meaningful.

Here’s some random photos of the kids at GJs house and our place from Monday morning visits. Thanks Mom. Thanks Grant. I couldn’t ask for better Grandparents.

Filed under: 1-2 years, Family, General, Twins]]>https://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/grandma-gj-and-gran-t-gs-were-thankful-for/feed/0Gran-T and the PeanutspforpeanutsKiddie Acreshttps://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/kiddie-acres/
https://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/kiddie-acres/#respondSat, 14 Jul 2012 20:21:12 +0000http://pforpeanuts.com/?p=3427Continue reading →]]>Without writing a long review about Kiddie Acres, let me just say, we had a blast there this morning! It’s kind of a hole-in-the-wall but fits Austin’s style perfectly. After walking in I thought it was too small but it’s actually the perfect size for kids between 2-3 yrs. We rode every ride but the ponies, and even rode some twice in less than 1.5 hrs. It’s free to enter and tickets are $2 each. We spent under $20 for twins. I thought that was reasonable considering how much fun we had.

Hudson was scared of the airplanes and boats. He was screaming and crying so much they had to stop the rides to let him out. The staff was really great about it. I could tell this wasn’t the first time they had to deal with that. Ellisa liked everything but loved the airplane so much she yelped out of excitement. It was cute to see her having so much fun. Charles and I were crying we were laughing so hard. Hudson liked the train ride best and would have stayed on it all day if we would have let him. Boys.

We’ll be back as long as they stay in business. Go support a local company that’s been running since 1979! Next time we’ll bring a sack lunch so we can sit at the picnic tables for a cool down. See you this fall Kiddie Acres!

Filed under: 1-2 years, General]]>https://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/kiddie-acres/feed/0SSPX0039pforpeanutsFriday Fun Spot: For the Love of Botshttps://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/friday-fun-spot-for-the-love-of-bots/
https://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/friday-fun-spot-for-the-love-of-bots/#respondFri, 13 Jul 2012 20:26:40 +0000http://pforpeanuts.com/?p=3409Continue reading →]]>At some point Charles found a video on youtube of a robot name Nao. It was their first introduction to videos and robots. Ever since then, they’ve been hooked on both. So when Charles went to Anna’s Toy Depot (our favorite toy store) to get them a gift, he couldn’t resist the robot he found that looked just like Nao. He surprised the kids, and me, at Phil’s Icehouse with their first “Bot.” What a guy!

It wasn’t long before they both could control it’s walking. We would put Nao to bed at night, feed him, and push him in our baby stroller. We’ve even had fights over Nao. Can you guess what their 2nd birthday theme is going to be?

I love these videos because they show the wonderment of children. Just watch Hudson’s face! It’s the reason we are all jealous of their excitement, innocence, and imagination. If only I got this much thrill from a similar gift. I for one cherish these moments and are thankful to have some of them caught on video. Watching it is reliving it.

I think Ellisa was slightly scared of him. She’s my cautious one. I like how she cleans the table, waves good-bye, and blows Nao a kiss. Towards the end you can hear her say, “Nao.” I didn’t notice at the time but Hudson actually says, “It go backward.” I had no idea he was talking like that already.

I had the most wonderful morning with the kids. We started with our regular Wednesday Eggy Weggys and then off to the park. We played for almost 2 hours and the kids even had whole cashews for the first time. A new favorite. They were so good at the park. They even followed me to the car when I said it was time to leave. I left with the thought that I can easily do this more often. On the way home, I drove down S. Congress and smiled as I appreciated the Austin skyline in front of me–always enamored by that vantage point. I felt like the happiest woman in the world.

It was great to get out today. Something I’m not doing near enough lately. Something I’m lucky if I’m doing once a week (work week that is). Because lately, I’ve discovered the 5 S’s of Summer. And I don’t like most of them. They’re keeping me from getting out. They’re keeping me from letting my children play, discover, and develop. They’re probably just an excuse for my laziness. Be it as it may, here they are.

1) Sweating this Summer:
The heat. Oh the heat. And honestly, it hasn’t even been that hot of a Summer for us. I’m sick of it and it’s not even mid-July. I never want to take the kids out because I sweat just walking them down our stairs to the garage. This is the number one thing keeping us in the house. With sweat comes…

2) Stinking this Summer:
The number two thing keeping us in the house. After going on a play date, I stink. After going to the store, I stink. After doing anything when leaving the house even when the kids aren’t with me, I stink. I’m beginning to think taking a shower is a waste of time since I’m going to stink again in less than 12 hours. With stinking comes…

3) Swimming this Summer:
I definitely enjoy it more than sitting in the house but the only time we’re getting out in the afternoon is for pool time. It’s a great way to cool down, exert some energy, and wash off that sweat. But boy is it some work with twins. Ellisa doesn’t really like it yet so I always have her walking around the edge of the pool while Hudson is in the pool. Not a great situation for one adult. I won’t do it alone so Aunt Courtney usually goes with me. Thank goodness for my sister! With swimming comes…

4) Showering this Summer:
With all the swimming and sweating going on there are lots of showers and baths taking place. We must clean off that chlorine, sunscreen, and bug repellant. Yuk! Speaking of bug repellant, if mosquitos started with an “S”, it would definitely be on this list. I HATE MOSQUITOS!!! With showers comes…

5) Sighing this Summer:
A sign of relief. When we are done sweating, stinking, swimming, and showering for the day, we lay down with our blankies and books and give a great big sigh of relief dreaming of an early fall. This is my favorite S of Summer.

We love you Summer but we are looking forward to saying ba-bye.

Filed under: 1-2 years, General, Motherhood]]>https://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/07/11/the-5-ss-of-summer/feed/0Hudson Enjoying the PoolpforpeanutsThe Wonderful World of Hydrocephalus: Part 5, Shunt Malfunctionshttps://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/07/10/the-wonderful-world-of-hydrocephalus-part-5-shunt-malfunctions/
https://pforpeanuts.wordpress.com/2012/07/10/the-wonderful-world-of-hydrocephalus-part-5-shunt-malfunctions/#commentsWed, 11 Jul 2012 02:40:13 +0000http://pforpeanuts.com/?p=3324Continue reading →]]>Shall we start with a wee-bit of history. It’s just so interesting. To be brief, a guy had a son. The son was born with hydrocephalus. The father was an engineer and invented the shunt in order to save his son’s life. Unfortunately, his son passed away before they “perfected” the shunt. But his passion to save his son’s life has saved millions since. The invention of the shunt has given people with hydrocephalus the chance to live–who otherwise wouldn’t–long healthy lives for the last 50+ years. For that, we thank you John Holter for your amazing work.

“Perfected” is in quotes above because the shunt has flaws to this day. A shunt’s structure and function is simple in design yet how each person handles it is another story. One that shunt manufacturers can’t quite grasp. One that I’m not sure anyone will ever be able to grasp. My neurosurgeon explained to me that there are just too many factors involved. Our bodies naturally respond and adapt to changes in our environment in order to keep us healthy. A shunt can’t be programmed to do the same. Your age, proteins in your blood, hormone levels, the weather, the time of day, what you consume, etc…all contribute to how your body creates CSF and how your body responds to your shunt. It’s a miracle shunts work as well as they do to control hydrocephalus.

I met a young woman of 17 years last weekend who received a VP shunt soon after birth. She has not had one malfunction since. She is extremely lucky. I read about a woman who was shunted at age 4 and had over 30 revisions (surgeries due to a shunt malfunction) by age 29. That’s more than 1 revision a year! I’ve also heard of people who had a bunch of revisions for a while, and then none for years after. You can see how different it is per case.

What is a shunt malfunction?

A shunt malfunction is when a shunt stops working due to obstruction/blockage, an infection, or component failure.

If a shunt malfunctions due to an obstruction, CSF can’t be diverted from the ventricles and will back up from the site of obstruction. A shunt can have a small obstruction (partial) that still allows CSF to flow through or a severe obstruction (complete blockage) that will not allow any CSF to flow through. In either case, immediate action should be taken so no pressure is put on the brain causing brain damage. Obstructions can happen in any components of a shunt but it is most common that tissue blocks the ventricular catheter. Second to that, blood cells or bacteria can clog the catheters or the valve.

Like any surgery, infection is a risk. If a shunt stops working due to an infection, action must be taken immediately and seriously. Most commonly, this happens at time of surgery by the person’s own bacterial organisms that live on the surface of their skin, in their sweat glands, and deep within the skin of their hair follicles. These infections most commonly occur from time of surgery to 3 months after surgery but can occur up to 6 months after surgery. My daughter’s neurosurgeon said, your odds are pretty slim after 3 months but there is still a small chance of infection even up to 1 year after surgery.

Shunts are very durable but they can still break due to wear, a child’s growth, impact, or have a mechanical malfunction. I do not have any stats on this but I have heard these complications are rare.

Infants/Toddler symptoms may include:
• Head enlargement
• Fontanelle is full and tense when the infant is upright and quiet
• Prominent scalp veins
• Downward deviation of the eyes
• Loss of previous abilities (milestones regressing)

* Symptoms of an infection.

Here’s where I get really annoyed. Symptoms are considerably different per person. This makes it extremely hard to know if you or your loved one is simply having a headache or a shunt malfunction. Asking advice from others that have been through shunt malfunctions doesn’t seem productive since symptoms vary so much. I guess the one thing anyone that has been through it before can say is, “When in doubt check it out.” Once you go through one malfunction, supposedly future malfunctions render similar symptoms.

My daughter has had one malfunction due to blockage and her only symptom was nothing more than waking up every other night for three nights around 1:30 AM screaming. By the third night she vomited and I knew it was a malfunction since she had no other symptoms of being sick. It could have been easily ignored assuming she ate something bad or had a quick stomach bug. I’m glad I went with my motherly instinct.

What should I do if me or someone I know is showing symptoms of a shunt malfunction?Go to the ER immediately! If it is a malfunction you’ll be glad you go it taken care of ASAP, if it’s not, you’ll be glad you found out it wasn’t a malfunction. The bottom line here is don’t wait.